17 September 2013

Simply a moment

It's early morning. Well early for me.That autumn cold has crept in and as usual my feet and hands are taking a while to warm up.I can still smell the smoke from the wood burner on the air. We lit a fire last night. The first of the year.

I turn to my task. I am spread out on the floor, squares of material around me pins at my side.I like this process of quilting. The different steps, the contrast between fabric.Brushed cotton in one hand, canvas in the other.I pin them together, lining them up, seam to seam.The room is quiet except for the audio book playing from the laptop.I don't like sitting in silence. I hardly need listen to the words as I know the books so well. Harry potter. My guilty pleasure.The voice in the room is comforting somehow. I have always enjoyed having stories read to me.

I pick up my newly joined pieces.

Again I am struck by the contrast of quilting. Going from the soft quiet task of piecing and pinning to the clatter and hum of the machine.Foot on the pedal I feed the material through.My hands brush against pins and material in turn. Softness and pin pricks in equal measure.I study the fabrics I have chosen and feel pleased with my choices.Strong colours sitting with neutrals. Materials picked up in a French market. They already hold stories.

I come to the end of the row. The clatter of the sewing machine is replaced by the snip of the scissors.The moment of truth, do the corners meet?Some do but others are gloriously off centre. I don't mind. Beautiful handmade imperfections that they are.

I look out of the window. The dew is nearly gone. The sun is bright and the autumn crispness lingers. In this odd month of limbo before term starts I need days like this to feed material through the machine, to create something to snuggle in in the winter months.I am nesting and preparing the best way I can.

Today I am joining in with Alexa's beautiful meme, "Simply a Moment." Do stop by her blog to read both Alexa's words and other bloggers as they record their moments.

I feel as if I have been in a place of gentle meditation, reading this lovely post, Abi! Interlaced with those lovely photos, your words have made me want to get out my sewing machine and find some fabric, and stitch my way into autumn. Thank you so much for taking part this month and sharing your early morning moment with us - always a pleasure to see you in the Linky :).

Oh Abi - this is such a delightful post - I love your description of quilting - though is many years since I last made a quilt - I might just have to oil the sewing machine and make another. Lovely photos and beautiful fabric. Thank you so much for sharing! J x

Beautiful words and I admire your quilting. I too don't like a quiet room and I love listening to audio books too. I have just finished listening to Harry Potter (again!) on my way to and from work in the car - makes the journey much more enjoyable!

That sounds so peaceful. I like your comment about the corners not always meeting up. I need to remember that one and not worry about it. You've inspired to get out the fat quarters, sewing machine and scissors.